Should Ships Be Required to Have Emergency Response Plans for Fires and Hazardous Spills?
Official title: Discussion Paper: Potential regulations to increase access to marine emergency services and to improve response to pollution incidents
Transport Canada wants to require certain ships to have pre-arranged access to emergency services like marine firefighting and towing. They're also proposing that vessels carrying hazardous chemicals have spill response plans. Right now, emergency response depends on what's commercially available nearby—which can mean delays when incidents happen far from major ports.
Why This Matters
Live near the coast? Work in shipping or fishing? A ship fire or chemical spill could affect your community. In 2019, firefighters had to be flown in from Texas to put out a ship fire in Canadian waters. These rules aim to make sure help is closer when things go wrong.
What Could Change
New regulations could require cargo ships to have contracts with marine firefighters and towing services before they sail. Vessels carrying hazardous chemicals may need detailed spill response plans. A new "response coordinator" role could be created to manage pollution incidents from shore.
Key Issues
- Which types of vessels should be required to have emergency service arrangements?
- What should be included in hazardous substance response plans for ships and port facilities?
- What responsibilities should a shore-based response coordinator have during pollution incidents?
- What regional factors should be considered for emergency services coverage?
How to Participate
- Read the discussion paper to understand the proposed regulations for marine emergency services and hazardous substance response.
- This consultation is now closed. The deadline for submissions was January 31, 2025.